Spicy Chicken & Avocado Sandwich and French Baguettes

This is normally a sandwich for the summer but when a website mentioned a spicy chicken and avocado sandwich recipe, I didn't want to wait.  It just sounded too good. While that particular recipe wasn't to my liking, I found this spicy chicken recipe that sounded perfect for a sandwich.  And since avocados were on sale for 2 for a $1, I couldn't resist.  What a delicious decision! The chicken added a nice kick but was nicely balanced with melted cheese and the creaminess of the avocados.

And a sandwich this good can't have just any bread.  I highly recommend getting a good french baguette from your grocery store or bakery.  Or if you're brave (and/or cheap) enough, here's a mini french baguette recipe.  While the dough didn't rise enough for me, the bread was still so, so good and perfect for this sandwich (even though I made the bread several days in advance). Perhaps you'll have better luck getting a proper rise!

Spicy Chicken and Avocado Sandwich
Taken from: AllRecipes
Serves: 3-4 sandwiches

• 1-1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3/4 - 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 3-4 strips

•  sliced avocado
• Romaine lettuce (or any substitute)
• mozzarella cheese or cheese of your choice, grated or thinly sliced (we've used part-skim mozzarella and sharp cheddar in the past and both were delicious!)
• sliced tomatoes, pickles or any other topping
• good bread (French baguette recipe below is delicious)

 -For the chicken:

1. Preheat grill for medium-high heat. 
2.  In a medium bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, and ground black pepper. Rub the chicken breasts with this mixture until coated.
3. Lightly oil the grill grate. Place chicken on the grill, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, until juices run clear.  

-Meanwhile, slice bread and broil until lightly toasted (about 1-2 minutes).  Add cheese on one half and broil 30 seconds to 1 minute until cheese is melted and bubbling.  
-Make your sandwich to your liking.

French Baguettes
Taken from: AllRecipes
Make 2 regular loves or 4 mini loves

• 1 cup warm water (approx. 100-110 degrees)
• 2 1/2 cups flour (I used 1 1/2 cups white whole wheat and 1 cup all-purpose)
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons bread yeast
• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon water

-Mix sugar and yeast together in a small bowl.  Add 1 cup water and let sit 5-10 minutes.  
-In a large bowl, mix together flour and salt.  Add proofed yeast mixture and mix until fully combined (starting with a wooden spoon. Knead for several minutes until no longer sticky.   
-Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in bulk. Dough is ready if indentation remains when touched.
-Punch down dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll into a 16x12 inch rectangle. Cut dough in 4 strips, creating four 8x6 inch rectangles (or make two 8x12 inch rectangles). Roll up each half of dough tightly, beginning at 6 inch side, pounding out any air bubbles as you go. Roll gently back and forth to taper end.
-Place 3 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet. Make deep diagonal slashes across loaves every 2 inches, or make one lengthwise slash on each loaf. Cover, and let rise in a warm place for 30 to 40 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.
-Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Mix egg white with 1 tablespoon water; brush over tops of loaves.
-Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.